"Hidden behind a screen, web users are not accountable for their actions in the same way they would be in the real world. Depending on where we hang out online, the people we interact with can be disembodied or anonymous, and this can obstruct our ability to see things from their point of view...
Research suggests that practicing empathy leads to happier relationships and more satisfying lives, so more empathy online can benefit our offline spaces too...
Try using live video and chat whenever you can. Anonymity is one of the biggest obstacles to online empathy, says Roman Krznaric, a psychologist and author of Empathy: Why It Matters, and How to Get It. “Psychologists call [it] the ‘online disinhibition effect.’ Basically, if you’re anonymous and don’t have to see anyone face to face, the social barriers are gone and you can be incredibly rude to people.”...
Catch up with an old friend you haven’t seen in years over Skype instead of sending a Facebook message. Participate in live chat events on Reddit and Twitter focused around a subject you’re passionate about. If you’re considering taking an online class, find one that that uses video. This helps foster a more personal bond between educators and students, and will probably be more engaging as well...
When done right, live chats remind us that the user on the other side of the screen is, in fact, a person too."
Import your Facebook friends to Skype so you can call and chat for free.